Game 1 of the NBA playoffs for the Los Angeles Lakers first-round matchup against the Phoenix Suns is slated for Sunday, as the seventh-seeded Lakers have to start their title defense on the road.
Despite possessing the seeding disadvantage, the betting odds favor Los Angeles to overcome Phoenix, setting the stage for what should be an enthralling series.
Pacific Division rivals, both teams squared off in only three games this season because of the condensed 72-game season, instead of the usual four matches.
Phoenix won the season series, 2-1, by a +14 point differential spread out across all three games.
But there are caveats to each game that dictated the outcome, with each game providing a glimpse of what a fully healthy matchup could entail.
Let’s take a look back at each of the three regular-season outcomes: